Discover proven strategies to get your first 10 users for your B2B SaaS startup in 2025. Learn how to find your ideal customers and grow your SaaS product!

As a SaaS founder, finding your first users can feel like climbing a mountain without a map. Whether you're a time-crunched tech founder, a validation-seeking startup, or a non-technical founder just stepping into the world of SaaS startups, acquiring your first customer (or 10, or 100) is one of the most challenging yet crucial milestones.

The early days of your journey are about more than just sales—they're about learning, validating, and iterating. Those first users will provide the feedback that shapes your product and the testimonials that build trust with your future customer base.

In this post, I'll walk you through actionable strategies to find your first users, build momentum, and set your SaaS product up for long-term success.

Why Early Users Are Critical for SaaS Startups

Your first customers are more than just numbers on a growth chart; they're the foundation of your entire customer acquisition strategy. Here's why they matter:

  1. Validation of Your Idea: Early users confirm whether there's a genuine need for your SaaS product in the market.
  2. Invaluable Feedback: These users will help you refine your product, identifying pain points and features that resonate most.
  3. Social Proof: The first testimonials and case studies build trust with future users.
  4. Momentum: Getting your first 10 or first 100 customers sets the stage for scalable growth.

But how do you go from having zero users to building that initial customer base? Let's dive into the strategies.

Step 1: Define Your Ideal Customer

You can't market to everyone, and that's especially true for a SaaS startup. The key is to narrow your focus and zero in on your potential customers.

Whether you're building for healthcare, fintech, or e-commerce, understanding your specific industry needs is crucial.

Start with Your Target Audience

Ask yourself:

  • Who benefits most from your SaaS product?
  • What pain points does your product solve?
  • Are you targeting B2B SaaS or individual users?

For example, if you're building a B2B SaaS tool for remote teams, your ideal audience might include HR managers, project managers, or team leads in tech startups.

Create a Customer Persona

Define your audience by:

  • Demographics: Age, location, industry.
  • Behavior: Where they spend time online, their work habits, and their challenges.

Nailing down your persona makes it easier to identify and connect with your first users.

Step 2: Leverage Your Network

Your personal and professional network is the fastest way to get your first customers. Don't underestimate the power of genuine connections.

Reach Out to Friends and Colleagues

  • Let your friends, former coworkers, and mentors know about your SaaS product.
  • Be specific about what you're offering and how they can benefit.

Example: "Hi [Name], I've recently launched a SaaS platform for [specific problem]. I'd love to hear your feedback and see if it could help your team."

Use LinkedIn

  • Post your product on LinkedIn to reach your professional network.
  • Use the platform's search filters to find potential customers and send personalized connection requests.

Step 3: Engage with Online Communities

Communities are goldmines for early-stage SaaS companies. The key is to approach them with genuine value, not spammy promotion.

Find Your Niche

  • Look for forums, subreddits, and Facebook/LinkedIn groups where your target audience hangs out.
  • Examples: r/SaaS, industry-specific Slack groups, or communities for startup founders.

Participate Actively

  • Answer questions and offer advice to establish yourself as an expert.
  • Once you've built trust, share your product as a solution to relevant problems.

Step 4: Build an Irresistible Landing Page

Your landing page is often the first impression potential customers have of your SaaS product. It needs to be clear, compelling, and conversion-focused. Learn more about creating a converting landing page.

What to Include on Your Landing Page

  1. Value Proposition: What problem does your product solve, and why should users care?
  2. Features Overview: Highlight the core benefits of your product.
  3. Social Proof: Add testimonials, logos of early adopters, or case studies.
  4. Clear CTA: Use action-driven CTAs like "Try it Free" or "Request a Demo."

A website without these essentials is a missed opportunity to convert visitors into users.

Step 5: Launch on ProductHunt and Similar Platforms

Before launching, make sure you have a solid MVP ready. Platforms like ProductHunt can help you get massive visibility for your SaaS startup.

Tips for a Successful Launch

  • Prepare a polished product demo and engaging visuals.
  • Highlight the unique value of your SaaS product in your description.
  • Be active on launch day: respond to comments, answer questions, and thank supporters.

Step 6: Try Cold Outreach

While it's often overlooked, cold outreach can be an effective way to find your first customers, especially in B2B SaaS.

Steps to a Successful Cold Outreach Campaign

  1. Create a List: Use tools like LinkedIn Sales Navigator to find potential customers in your target market.
  2. Personalize Your Message: Avoid generic pitches. Reference their company or challenges they might face.
  3. Offer Value: Lead with how your SaaS product can solve their problem, and invite them to a call or demo.

Step 7: Offer Free Trials and Incentives

Everyone loves a freebie, especially when they're testing something new. Offering a free trial lowers the barrier to entry and gets users to engage with your product.

Best Practices for Free Trials

  • Limit the trial period (e.g., 14 or 30 days) to create urgency.
  • Provide onboarding resources like videos or guides to help users get started.
  • Follow up with trial users to gather feedback or convert them into paying customers.

Step 8: Use Content Marketing

Content marketing helps build trust, attract potential customers, and establish your brand as an authority.

Content Ideas for SaaS Companies

  • Write blogs about solving the pain points your product addresses.
  • Publish case studies showcasing how early users benefitted from your SaaS product.
  • Create webinars or tutorials for educational value.

Step 9: Partner with Complementary Businesses

Find companies with overlapping audiences but non-competing products. For example, if your SaaS is a CRM tool, partner with a marketing automation platform.

How to Partner Effectively

  • Co-host webinars or create co-branded content.
  • Offer joint discounts or bundle deals.
  • Share each other's products with your respective audiences.

Step 10: Attend Events and Meetups

In-person networking can be incredibly powerful for startups. Attend industry conferences, expos, or local meetups to showcase your SaaS product.

How to Maximize Event ROI

  • Have a short, compelling pitch ready.
  • Collect contact information and follow up after the event.
  • Offer a limited-time incentive for attendees to sign up.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Casting Too Wide a Net: Focus on a specific audience rather than trying to appeal to everyone.
  2. Over-Promising: Avoid promising features you can't deliver yet.
  3. Ignoring Feedback: Early user feedback is gold—use it to refine your product.
  4. Relying Only on Ads: Ads are great, but organic engagement builds trust.

How to Measure Success with Early Users

To gauge your progress, track these metrics:

  • Sign-Ups: How many users have signed up for your free trial or product?
  • Engagement: Are users actively using your product?
  • Feedback: What are users saying about your product?

Iterate your product and strategy based on these insights to build a solid foundation for growth.

Conclusion: Turn Early Users into Loyal Customers

Finding your first 10 customers (and then your first 100) is no small feat, but it's a critical step for any SaaS founder. With a mix of networking, cold outreach, and strategic marketing, you can build an engaged customer base that validates your product and fuels future growth.

Remember, your journey doesn't end with the first customer. Every interaction is an opportunity to learn, improve, and grow your SaaS business.

Need help crafting your customer acquisition strategy? Let Startup Studio Dev guide you through building and scaling your SaaS product. Contact us today!